Film Production Incentives in Malta
A very useful FAQ document, created by the PCP, clarifying the financial incentives in a very comprehensive manner is available upon request.
NEWS UPDATE 19/12/12: The Maltese government has decided that in 2013 the financial incentives shall rise "up to 23%" from the current 20% limit. The new limit rises further "up to 25%" if a film is portraying Malta as Malta. Although the increase is not yet ratified due to a pending election in March 2013, both main political parties have promised to implement these improvements following the elections.
NEWS UPDATE 27/8/12: The Maltese government has revised the incentives in order that camera and lighting equipment is now fully included. Also the Above-The-Line ceiling which was previously 50,000 Euros has been raised to 200,000 Euros. Location fees no longer have a limit for eligibility reasons. There is also a new nominal audit fee which ranges from 1,500 and 3,500 Euros depending on the budget of the film. Whilst we feel these improvements are not aggressive enough, they are nonetheless a significant improvement to the previous. Productions receiving a rebate certificate of between 18% and 22% are now expected to have an actual refund closer to or over 16% of the total spend. This of course depends on the nature of the production since purchases such as construction materials and fuel remain ineligible.
Cash Incentive for filming in Malta
The following is a summary of the incentives offered by Malta.Financial Incentives. In short, the incentives are in the form of a cash grant given to eligible productions on the qualifying expenditure incurred in Malta. Up to 25% of the eligible expenditure can be obtained as a cash rebate by a qualifying production company once filming is complete. For films which do not portray Malta as Malta, the highest rebate is 23%.
Feature film and television productions, mini-series, animation and documentaries are all eligible for the incentives, provided that they are at least partially produced in Malta.
Procedure
A qualifying production is required to present an application to the Malta Film Commission, including a detailed projection of the Malta budget for the production and completion of the Cultural Test as included in the application form. Upon assessment based on specific guidelines and performance in the Cultural Test, the Commission would grant a provisional approval no later than 3 weeks after receipt of the application.
The final approval would be granted upon review of a final application, including audited accounts and a detailed analysis of the production expenditure in Malta, after shooting is completed. The cash rebate is forwarded to a qualifying production no later than 5 months from the date of receipt of the final application.
Qualifying Expenditure
Expenditure incurred during production in Malta on EU services is eligible for a cash rebate, including the following items:
EU below-the-line labour, capped above-the-line labour, accommodation, transportation equipment and hire, location fees, catering services, per diems, leasing of offices, computer equipment, props, property, animals, select equipment, filming equipment, vehicles, and boats. Other qualifying expenditure includes wardrobe rentals, courtesy payments, telecommunications, craft service, laundry and cleaning services and professional services.Contact us for more comprehensive details of the incentive. Above the Line expenditure and Heads of Departments are all capped under one ceiling of 200,000 Euros.
Click here for the incentives regulations document updated in 2012. If you wish further clarification contact us with your specific questions or to receive our latest FAQ document.
Fiscal Incentives - The Malta Enterprise Act
Click here for the updated incentives available for company's registered in Malta
NEWS UPDATE 19/12/12: The Maltese government has decided that in 2013 the financial incentives shall rise "up to 23%" from the current 20% limit. The new limit rises further "up to 25%" if a film is portraying Malta as Malta. Although the increase is not yet ratified due to a pending election in March 2013, both main political parties have promised to implement these improvements following the elections.
NEWS UPDATE 27/8/12: The Maltese government has revised the incentives in order that camera and lighting equipment is now fully included. Also the Above-The-Line ceiling which was previously 50,000 Euros has been raised to 200,000 Euros. Location fees no longer have a limit for eligibility reasons. There is also a new nominal audit fee which ranges from 1,500 and 3,500 Euros depending on the budget of the film. Whilst we feel these improvements are not aggressive enough, they are nonetheless a significant improvement to the previous. Productions receiving a rebate certificate of between 18% and 22% are now expected to have an actual refund closer to or over 16% of the total spend. This of course depends on the nature of the production since purchases such as construction materials and fuel remain ineligible.
Cash Incentive for filming in Malta
The following is a summary of the incentives offered by Malta.Financial Incentives. In short, the incentives are in the form of a cash grant given to eligible productions on the qualifying expenditure incurred in Malta. Up to 25% of the eligible expenditure can be obtained as a cash rebate by a qualifying production company once filming is complete. For films which do not portray Malta as Malta, the highest rebate is 23%.
Feature film and television productions, mini-series, animation and documentaries are all eligible for the incentives, provided that they are at least partially produced in Malta.
Procedure
A qualifying production is required to present an application to the Malta Film Commission, including a detailed projection of the Malta budget for the production and completion of the Cultural Test as included in the application form. Upon assessment based on specific guidelines and performance in the Cultural Test, the Commission would grant a provisional approval no later than 3 weeks after receipt of the application.
The final approval would be granted upon review of a final application, including audited accounts and a detailed analysis of the production expenditure in Malta, after shooting is completed. The cash rebate is forwarded to a qualifying production no later than 5 months from the date of receipt of the final application.
Qualifying Expenditure
Expenditure incurred during production in Malta on EU services is eligible for a cash rebate, including the following items:
EU below-the-line labour, capped above-the-line labour, accommodation, transportation equipment and hire, location fees, catering services, per diems, leasing of offices, computer equipment, props, property, animals, select equipment, filming equipment, vehicles, and boats. Other qualifying expenditure includes wardrobe rentals, courtesy payments, telecommunications, craft service, laundry and cleaning services and professional services.Contact us for more comprehensive details of the incentive. Above the Line expenditure and Heads of Departments are all capped under one ceiling of 200,000 Euros.
Click here for the incentives regulations document updated in 2012. If you wish further clarification contact us with your specific questions or to receive our latest FAQ document.
Fiscal Incentives - The Malta Enterprise Act
Click here for the updated incentives available for company's registered in Malta
